Author: Amanda J. SchroederInstitution: University of OklahomaDate: May 2009

Abstract

This study focused on the variability of temperature across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area (OKC) during a six-week period in early 2007. Twenty portable temperature and humidity sensors were strategically placed at various fire stations throughout Oklahoma City from 20 February through 1 April 2007. Data from these sensors and two local Oklahoma Mesonet sites were used to evaluate the spatial differences in temperature for the area. An intercomparison was also performed prior to the deployment in Oklahoma City, as well as a post deployment calibration. The primary goal of this project was to evaluate the temperature variability across OKC and to verify the existence and intensity of a nocturnal urban heat island and possible daytime urban cool island in OKC. It was discovered that an urban heat island and cool island exist in OKC. The urban heat island was generally strongest just before sunrise while the urban cool island typically occurred around midday and was much weaker. However, the surrounding rural areas were typically still cooler than the CBD during the urban cool island.

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